In today’s society, we are bombarded with pressures from many sources.
Whether it be increased demands in the work place, constant connection to technological impetus and societal pressures to always be at our best, these factors can really affect our mental wellbeing.
This can result in poor coping skills, increased stress levels and reduced energy levels, leading to anxiety and depression.
This article is focuses on how the time honored tradition of indian head massage, can help counteract stress and anxiety by stimulating energy channels known as marma points.
What are marma points?
According to Ayurveda medicine, marma points are said to be anatomical locations in the body that are linked to physical and emotional well-being.
It’s philosphy is underpinned by the notion, that mind and body are inextricably linked and have a signifcant influence each other in many ways.
For example, if the mind is disturbed or stressed, this can affect the physical functioning of the body and can manifest in pain and other types of physical dysfunction.
Likewise, if the body is in pain, this will affect the mind ability to function appropriately.
When these points are stimulated through a special Indian head massage protocols,they are said to optimise overall holistic wellness.
What is an Indian head massage?
As mentioned above, Indian head massage also (known as champsi) focuses primarly on stimulating these marma points of which there are seven located in the head neck and back.
Therefore, this massage is predoimentally done in a seated position to enable full access to all these areas.
This deeply rejuivinating treatment provides effective relief from mental stress and physical discomfort as well as creaating balance and harmony.
This achieved by physical strokes and sequences that switches the body into a parasympathetic state which reduces stress and induces healing and recovery.
The science of indian head massage and how it promotes wellness
In order to understand the science behind indian head massage, it is important to highlight how this process elicits physiological responses in both the mind and body.
As with all massage treatments ,touch is instrumental in harbouring effective treatment outcomes. It is a powerful medium in decreasing both physical pain and discomfort as well as promoting mental relaxation.
During an indian head massage, oxytocin is released which creates feelings of trust, empathy and bonding. This in turn reduces cortisal levels which in high volumes can cause stress and anxiety and promote better focus and mood.
This is reinforced by Scott (2024) who provided, anecdotal and scientific evidence to support indian head’s efficacy in managing stress, enhancing physical well-being and promoting mental clarity.
Stimulating marma points, through indian head massage also promotes circulation in the body and helps optimise the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which can improve mood and enhance concentration.
In a cross over study of 24 female participants, Murota et al (2016), provided substantial evidence that indian head massage can boost happiness and promote better clarity and focus.
As Indian head massage is focused on the head neck and upper back, it can also provide relief from headaches and migranes.
This is because the strokes applied, provides a soothing effect on straited muscles, which targets specific trigger points and unlocks underlying tension.
Moraska et al (2015) cross examined reduction in headaches using massage and an alternative placebo intervention. The results showed that the former was far superior in achieving this than the latter.
Conclusion
Indian head massage is an effective scientifically proven method of reducing stress and anxiety as well as improving mood and concentration.
By stimulating the body’s marma points, Indian head massage is an effective treatment for harmonising both mind and body